Implementation of a diagnostic tool for semi permanent electrical contacts for a direct contact force measurement

For long service functioning of semi permanent contacts, an optimal and stable contact force is needed. Mechanical stability of contacts leads to reliable electrical performance of the connector. However, a lowering of this contact force is often observed during operations. In a previous paper, information about the contact force was obtained from insertion force measurements together with the friction coefficient of the contact material. To avoid these parameters (insertion force and friction coefficient mu) that may change during mating cycle, an innovative diagnostic tool to directly measure the contact force of each spring of the connector has been investigated, in situ.